Weta's 10 Latest News Articles

The Adventures of Tintin wins two Annie awards

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:25:55 +1300

The 2012 Annie Awards announced its winners last Saturday. "Annie" of course being an abbreviation for "Animation".

The Adventures of Tintin took home trophies for Best Animated Effects and Best Music in a Feature Production.

In the live-action field, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was awarded the Character Animation award.

Huge congratulations to our colleagues at Weta Digital for both these achievements.

The 39th annual Annie Awards took place at Royce Hall in Los Angeles, California. The show has been presented by the Los Angeles branch of the International Animated Film Association, ASIFA-Hollywood since 1972, and has been held to honor the accomplishments in animation industry.

2012 Annie Awards winners list in full:

Best Animated Feature: "Rango"
Best Animated Special Production: "Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters"
Best Animated Short Subject: "Adam and Dog"
Animated Effects in an Animated Production: "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn"
Animated Effects in a Live Action Production: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Character Animation in a Feature Production: "Rio"
Character Animation in a Live Action Production: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Character Design in a Feature Production: "Rango"
Directing in a Feature Production: Jennifer Yuh Nelson - "Kung Fu Panda 2"
Music in a Feature Production: John Williams - "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn"
Production Design in a Feature Production: "Kung Fu Panda 2"
Storyboarding in a Feature Production: "Winnie the Pooh"
Voice Acting in a Feature Production: Bill Nighy - "Arthur Christmas"
Writing in a Feature Production: "Rango"
Editing in a Feature Production: "Rango"
Winsor McCay Award: Walt Peregoy, Borge Ring, Robert Searle
June Foray Award: Art Leonardi
Special Achievement Award: Depth Analysis

The Hobbit Movies - Latest Updates!

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:23:44 +1200

We bring you the latest updates about The Hobbit - currently in production on soundstages and locations across Wellington and New Zealand.

We will stay with you until the movies launch on 13 December 2012 (US). And beyond.

Check out the links below for Production Videos, Trailers and Blogs about the making of The Hobbit.

Come back regularly for more!

1 February 2012

On Set with TotalFilm.com

24 January 2012

The Hobbit Official Extras Casting Call 2012

20 December - Good News from Warner Bros

First trailer due 20 Dec 7PM Pacific time!

29 November - Ian McKellen's blog from Imladris

See New Zealand through Sir Ian's eyes

27 November - Quint update #5

Thorin's Dilemma

25 Nov - Quint Update #4

A Palaver of Istari

15 Nov - An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3

Beginnings and Endings - Quint's third and final update from Hobbiton.

5 Nov - Fredegar Chubb

Quint on The Hobbit set - Part 2

4 Nov - Production Video #4

Peter Jackson has posted a brand new Production Diary!

2 Nov - Concerning Hobbiton

Quint on The Hobbit set - Part 1

28 Oct - The Hobbit World Premiere

Slated for Wellington November 2012!

20 July - Production Video #3

This time Peter's talking from an unusual (yet strangely familiar) setting.

17 July - Thorin Oakenshield on TheOneRing.Net

Thorin Oakenshield revealed

15 July - Balin and Dwalin on TIME.com

Balin and Dwalin shown for the first time

14 July - More Pics of the Dwarves

First pics of Bifur, Bofur and Bombur (on IGN's website)

See pictures of Kili and Fili

8 July - First Pics of the Dwarves, and Peter Jackson's Production Video #2

Peter Jackson's Production Video #2

First pics: Nori, Ori and Dori

First pics: Oin and Gloin

27 June - World's First Hobbit Cover

As a "good luck charm" Empire Magazine puts The Hobbit on its cover.

Read the story.

26 June - First Look!

Entertainment Weekly has released some exclusive images of Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellen in costume as Bilbo and Gandalf and of Peter Jackson in Bilbo's kitchen. They are attached to this article. Read the story.

22 June - Remember The Lord of the Rings?

If the anticipation of the new movies gets too much to handle, get some relief by reading, watching and listening to a few familiar personalities answering fans' questions about The Lord of the Rings:

20 June - Casting Updates from Peter Jackson

Barry Humphries and Evangeline Lily join the cast. Read more!

2 June 2011

There's been a very exciting announcement from our friends at Warner Bros. The subject of much speculation among fans since The Hobbit movies were announced three years ago, the titles have now been decided and the launch dates set.

So - get your calendar out and mark these dates:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens 14 December 2012
The Hobbit: There and Back Again opens 13 December 2013

Read the full press release on The Hobbit Facebook page.

This follows some exciting recent announcements from Peter Jackson about casting. Orlando Bloom is making a welcome return to Middle-earth as Legolas and Stephen Fry is taking on the role of Master of Laketown.

The news is coming thick and fast at the moment - make sure you subscribe to our newsletters and follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

14 April - Peter Jackson's Production Video #1

About lead-up and pre-production

Hot off the Web: Behind The Scenes Of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:24:57 +1300

Peter Jackson and his cast and crew talk exclusively to Total Film about The Hobbit.

"Bilbo Baggins. Fantasy icon. Quintessential reluctant hero. And, according to Martin Freeman, probably not a virgin.

"I think he's had sex, I'm not sure," the star deadpans. "I'm trying to convince Pete to write that scene in..."

For a man playing the title character in 2012's hottest ticket, Freeman seems uncannily relaxed. Or maybe he's just knackered after another epic day of tussling with dwarves, elves and other fruit of J.R.R. Tolkien's cavernous imagination."

Read the whole article!

The WotWots hit the road with Kidzone24

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:50:40 +1300

Say "Hi" to the WotWots , and hang out with Kidzone host Morgan at the Kidzone24 Roadshow.

Kidzone24 will be taking to the road throughout February and March, to see pre-schoolers all over the country.

With lots of fun, games and activities, its your chance to meet the new Kidzone host Morgan, have a play on Kidzone Magic Desktop; plus hang out with some of your favourite characters from our local shows including SpottyWot and DottyWot from The WotWots.

AUCKLAND

Monday 6 February (Waitangi Day)

Waitangi Day Family Celebrations 2012
Sir Barry Curtis Park, Manukau City
10.00am - 6.00pm
FREE

CHRISTCHURCH

Saturday 25 February

Northlands Mall Centre Court
9.00am - 6.00pm
FREE

More dates and times coming shortly - keep an eye on the Kidzone website!

Read Weta's Latest Newsletter

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:45:19 +1300

We send out emails to all our subscribers every couple of weeks on average - this is where you find out about special events, product releases, pre-orders, exhibitions, movie news, etc.

Click here to subscribe!

Here's a list of recent newsletters:

2012

2011

The Hobbit Official Extras Casting Call 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:10:59 +1300

The holidays are over and the wheels have started turning on The Hobbit production again.

The following ad has just been posted on New Zealand classifieds website TradeMe seeking EXTRAS:

The production company are looking for MEN & WOMEN for a VARIETY of characters

• MEN - under 5'4" (163cm)
• WOMEN - under 5" (155cm)
• BIG MEN - with character faces - 5'9 and over (175cm+)
• MEN with LARGE biceps any height.
• WOMEN with character faces and long hair
• MEN & WOMEN - ELVES slim, athletic, 5'5" - 6'4" (165 - 203cm)

If you think you fit any of the descriptions - here's your chance!

Check out the ad here!

The Adventures of Tintin wins Golden Globe

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:52:12 +1300

Steven Spielberg has been presented with a Golden Globe award by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

In stiff competition with Rango, Puss in Boots, Arthur Christmas and Cars 2, The Adventures of Tintin prevailed.

Richard Taylor commented:

We were delighted to see Steven Spielberg on stage accepting a Golden Globe Award for The Adventures of Tintin. It’s a project very dear to our hearts and it’s a real tribute to all the artist at Weta Digital who helped put this film together for Steven and Peter."

Tintin is Coming!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:28:11 +1300

Last year saw the World premieres of The Adventures of Tintin. The first of a planned series of films.

We will continue to keep you updated with all that's going on, events, book signings, movie premieres and interviews in different media.

So come back often and make sure you also keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and our email newsletters!

The latest updates:

16 January 2012

Tintin wins Golden Globe for best animated feature film

16 January 2012

Steven Spielberg reveals 'Tintin' sequel details

11 January 2012

Tintin nominated for 6 VES Awards

16 December

The Art of The Adventures of Tintin iPad App is here!

30 November

An interview with Chris Guise
by 'The Amis du Musée Hergé' (Friends of the Hergé Museum)

16 November

NEW TRAILER!

Review from FusedFilm.com

14 November

More footage - New trailer!

10 November

Tintin Trivia in Hindustan Times

9 November

First North American Screening of The Adventures of Tintin will be in Quebec

8 November

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12uJWV0eFRI&feature=related

7 November

TheOneRing.Net review of The Art of The Adventures of Tintin

4 November

NEW PRODUCT - The Adventures of Tintin Baseball Cap!

30 October

New interesting Tintin related TV series on BBC2

Check out a cool fan video - alternative title sequence for the movie.

28 October

A New Tintin.com website in English!

26 October

A review of the movie on TimeOut.com

"Spellbinding" says The Daily Star in their review

Win a trip to Belgium. Details to follow on the Tintin Facebook page

25 October 2011

Check out the photos from the London Premiere!

Check out this review of The Art of The Adventures of Tintin in Empire Magazine

24 October 2011

SKY News on The Adventures of Tintin

Watch a video and read the Q&A with tintinologist Michael Farr on the Telegraph website

A short video from our friends at Moulinsart from the Brussels premiere

An awesome photo gallery on the Tintin Facebook page showing the impact Tintin has on Brussels - his birthplace.

23 October 2011

It's Tintin time - article in TIME Magazine

22 October 2011

Watch a video from the Brussels premiere

Steven Spielberg gets a Belgian Art award for his work on the movie

21 October 2011

Interview with Chris Guise about The art of The Adventures of Tintin on if.com.au

20 October 2011

Fanboy Featurette (and trailer) at sheknows.com

New clips from the movie released by indieWIRE

Interview with Steven Spielberg on MailOnline

19 October 2011

Interview with Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg in The Hollywood Reporter

A second, more in-depth technical article in The Hollywood Reporter

15 October 2011

Listen to a radio interview with Chris Guise

Dr Grordbort's Creature Challenge - win great prizes!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:12:19 +1300

The following letter has been found on www.cgfeedback.com:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the CGFeedback realm,

Grordbort Industries, under close supervision of its founder and owner, the philanthropist, humanitarian and weapons fabricator, Dr. E. Grordbort, are in the planning stages of an intergalactic zoo intended for the Jovanian moon of Ganymede.

While we have, in holding pens on Venus and in an abandonned Subway station under the Central Park Zoo, already amassed various wildlife, we do by no means have enough for a successful visitor attraction.

We have Thrusks, Meat Beetles and various insectoids, such as Blue Sacked Pillocks and Xenodefugio Subtiltus, but it just doesn't cut the mustard!

So we're calling out to you, talented biologists and geneticists and your wondrous Electrophosphorescent Computational Devices to extend the captive fauna of Dr Grordbort's Zoological Gardens of Ganymede.

Present to us your creature and be prepared to justify why it would make a valued addition to the Zoo! Our insurers and pest control staff also require basic demographic and procreational data of your species.

Mr Gregorious Broadmore, scientific mad genius and himself a conjurer of the odd and the spectacular will be the judge of the competition (his decision is absolutely final and incontestible) and decide on three prize winners:

1st Price: A Xenodefugio Subtiltus
Venusian insect specimen
(value US$399)

2nd Price: A Saboteur 66
Raygun (value US$89)

3rd Price: An F.M.O.M.
Miniature Raygun
(value US$60)"

Tintin nominated for 6 VES Awards, Rise of the Planet of the Apes 4!

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:33:42 +1300

The Visual Effects Society AwardsThe Visual Effects Society (VES) today announced the nominees for its 10th Annual VES Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding visual effects artistry in 23 categories of film, animation, television, commercials, special venues and video games.

"The standard of the creative work that is being considered this year is unbelievably high across all categories," said Jeffrey A. Okun, Chair of the Visual Effects Society. "The judges faced a huge challenge because all of the work was so far above the norm. We're honored to have the opportunity to focus the spotlight on the outstanding work that has contributed to some of the highest grossing films and broadcast projects of all time."

Stan Lee will be honored with the VES 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and Douglas Trumbull with the Georges Méliès Award.

The 10th Annual VES Awards will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Weta project The Adventures of Tintin and the Weta Digital project Rise of the Planet of the Apes received nominations in the following categories:

Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Dan Lemmon
Joe Letteri
Cyndi Ochs
Kurt Williams

Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

The Adventures of Tintin

Jamie Beard
Joe Letteri
Meredith Meyer-Nichols
Eileen Moran

Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Caesar

Daniel Barrett
Florian Fernandez
Matthew Muntean
Eric Reynolds

Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

The Adventures of Tintin - Tintin

Gino Acevedo
Gustav Ahren
Jamie Beard
Simon Clutterbuck

Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

The Adventures of Tintin - Bagghar

Hamish Beachman
Adam King
Wayne Stables
Mark Tait

The Adventures of Tintin - Docks
Matt Aitken
Jeff Capogreco
Jason Lazaroff
Alessandro Mozzato

The Adventures of Tintin - Pirate Battle
Phil Barrenger
Keith F. Miller
Alessandro Saponi
Christoph Sprenger

Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Thelvin Cabezas
Mike Perry
R. Christopher White
Erik Winquist

Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

The Adventures of Tintin

Matt Aitken
Matthias Menz
Keith F. Miller
Wayne Stables

Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Jean Luc Azzis
Quentin Hema
Simon Jung
Christoph Salzmann

Weta's 10 Latest News Articles

The Adventures of Tintin wins two Annie awards

2012 Annie Awards winners list in full:

The Hobbit Movies - Latest Updates!

1 February 2012

16 January 2012

24 December - Production Video #5

21 December

20 December - Quint's The Hobbit Blog #6

29 November - Ian McKellen's blog from Imladris

27 November - Quint update #5

25 Nov - Quint Update #4

15 Nov - An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3

5 Nov - Fredegar Chubb

4 Nov - Production Video #4

2 Nov - Concerning Hobbiton

28 Oct - The Hobbit World Premiere

20 July - Production Video #3

17 July - Thorin Oakenshield on TheOneRing.Net

15 July - Balin and Dwalin on TIME.com

26 June - First Look!

22 June - Remember The Lord of the Rings?

20 June - Casting Updates from Peter Jackson

2 June 2011

14 April - Peter Jackson's Production Video #1

Hot off the Web: Behind The Scenes Of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Read the whole article!

The WotWots hit the road with Kidzone24

AUCKLAND

CHRISTCHURCH

Read Weta's Latest Newsletter

Click here to subscribe!

2012

2011

The Hobbit Official Extras Casting Call 2012

Check out the ad here!

The Adventures of Tintin wins Golden Globe

Richard Taylor commented:

Tintin is Coming!

The latest updates:

16 January 2012

16 January 2012

11 January 2012

16 December

30 November

16 November

14 November

10 November

9 November

8 November

7 November

4 November

30 October

28 October

26 October

25 October 2011

24 October 2011

23 October 2011

22 October 2011

21 October 2011

20 October 2011

19 October 2011

15 October 2011

Dr Grordbort's Creature Challenge - win great prizes!

Tintin nominated for 6 VES Awards, Rise of the Planet of the Apes 4!

Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture